The Art Of Marriage

What does it take to have a great marriage?

I have never been married and so I have absolutely no idea what married life is like but I do know that as with everything in life married life has it’s challenges. I also know that no two marriages are the same as each individual is unique.

I have heard and read a lot of articles on marriage and while heeding such may not guarantee a healthy marriage, I do know that the best person to take advice from is one who have walked the walk.

So I came across a Poem titled “The Art of Marriage,” by Wilferd A. Peterson who was married to his wife for 58 years and you will agree with me that if he was married for 58 years then he has advice that should be heeded. 

I thought to share his poem, read on.

The Art Of Marriage

Happiness in marriage is not something that just happens.

A good marriage must be created.

In the art of marriage the little things are the big things…

It is never being too old to hold hands.

It is remembering to say “I love you” at least once a day.

It is never going to sleep angry.

It is at no time taking the other for granted;the courtship should not end with the honeymoon,
it should continue through all the years.

It is having a mutual sense of values and common objectives.


It is standing together facing the world.

It is forming a circle of love that gathers in the whole family.

It is doing things for each other, not in the attitude
of duty or sacrifice, but in the spirit of joy.

It is speaking words of appreciation
and demonstrating gratitude in thoughtful ways.

It is not looking for perfection in each other.


It is cultivating flexibility, patience,
understanding and a sense of humor.

It is having the capacity to forgive and forget.

It is giving each other an atmosphere in which each can grow.

It is finding room for the things of the spirit.


It is a common search for the good and the beautiful.

It is establishing a relationship in which the independence is equal,
dependence is mutual and the obligation is reciprocal.

It is not only marrying the right partner, it is being the right partner.

It is discovering what marriage can be, at its best.

– by Wilferd Arlan Peterson.